On Wednesday, Apr 4, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announced that 27 prisoners would be free from jail when Maoists will release the Italian tourist Paolo Bosusco and Jhina Hikaka. While the Italian ambassador wants to meet Patnaik to discuss over the issue.

"Considering the safety of Jhina Hikaka, our young tribal MLA (of the BJD), our government has decided to facilitate the release of 15 members of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha and also eight left-wing extremists now lodged in jails in Koraput and Malkangiri districts," Patnaik said.

Meanwhile, Hikaka appealed Patnaik to release those who were in prison on false charges, stated that state government is “neglecting” him because he is a tribal. "In such a situation I will not be able to work for my area and, if necessary, I will resign as MLA," he added.